The best traffic-free bike rides in Sandwich Range Wilderness

This guide features four challenging no-traffic gravel bike routes, offering a deep dive into the wilderness away from vehicles. The Sandwich Range Wilderness is known for its extensive network of dirt and gravel roads, providing many opportunities for peaceful riding.

The trails in the Sandwich Range Wilderness are characterized by rugged landscapes, varied terrain, and significant elevation changes. You'll encounter a mix of gravel, dirt, and potentially rocky or rutted sections, especially on historic routes like Sandwich Notch Road. These conditions make for a challenging but rewarding ride, often requiring capable bikes with good clearance.

The routes highlighted in this guide are generally considered 'difficult' due to their length and elevation gain, making them more suitable for experienced gravel bikers. While the region does offer some easier options like parts of the Waterville Valley loops, the specific no-traffic routes listed here are designed for those seeking a significant challenge.

The Sandwich Range Wilderness is rich in natural beauty. Along your rides, you might encounter steep, boulder-strewn streams, cascades, and serene pools. Notable peaks like Mount Whiteface and Mount Passaconaway offer impressive backdrops. The area is also home to ponds like Flat Mountain Pond, known for attracting wildlife. While not directly on these routes, nearby attractions include Rocky Gorge with its picturesque waterfall.

The best time for gravel biking is typically from late spring through fall. The region receives significant snowfall, so snowmelt sustains streams and waterfalls well into summer. Fall offers stunning foliage, but be prepared for cooler temperatures. Always check local conditions, especially in spring when some roads might still be muddy or closed due to thaw.

Yes, all the routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Beede Falls – Mad River from Lincoln Road loop from Metcalf Preserve and the Beede Falls – Sandwich Town Beach loop from Metcalf Preserve are excellent options for a full-day circular adventure.

Good starting points for the featured routes include Metcalf Preserve for loops like the Beede Falls – Mad River from Lincoln Road loop. Another option is The Grove, which serves as the starting point for the Chocorua Lake – Tamworth History Centre loop. For the Mad River from Lincoln Road loop, you can begin at Campton Public Library.

The Sandwich Range Wilderness is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.875 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's rugged beauty, the sense of solitude on its extensive network of dirt roads, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that lead to scenic views. The opportunity to explore a truly wild natural setting away from traffic is a consistent highlight.

Yes, the Sandwich Range Wilderness is home to diverse wildlife. Moose are frequently spotted near ponds like Flat Mountain Pond and Lily Pond. Peregrine falcons can be seen nesting on cliffs such as Square Ledge. Keep an eye out for various forest animals as you ride through the dense spruce-fir and northern hardwood forests.

All four routes in this guide are rated as 'difficult,' providing a significant challenge for advanced riders. The Beede Falls – Mad River from Lincoln Road loop, for instance, covers over 40 km with more than 840 meters of elevation gain, offering a strenuous and rewarding experience. The historic Sandwich Notch Road, while not a specific route in this guide, is known for its challenging, often narrow, rocky, and rutted sections, which are incorporated into many local gravel loops.

Parking is typically available at the designated starting points for these routes. For example, you can find parking near Metcalf Preserve for the loops starting there, or at Campton Public Library for the Mad River from Lincoln Road loop. Always check local signage for specific parking regulations and availability.